Search

Woman at the centre of alleged Beckham affair breaks silence

<p>Rebecca Loos has decided to speak out amidst the wave of criticism she's facing in light of her <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/david-and-victoria-beckham-open-up-about-alleged-affair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleged affair with David Beckham</a>. The former model, now 46, is pushing back against the 'disturbing' remarks being made about her on social media, which have resurfaced following the release of the Netflix series about Beckham.</p> <p>On October 6, a fan expressed their support for Loos amid the renewed attention and online harassment she's enduring. They voiced their disgust at some of the comments they had seen, stating, "Some of the comments on here are disgusting!!!" They went on to offer words of encouragement, saying, "Stay strong. You have a beautiful life with your gorgeous family, which, unlike others, doesn't have to involve Netflix!!!"</p> <p>Loos responded to this supportive message on Instagram, expressing her gratitude and resilience, stating, "Thank you 🙏🏼 am taking in the nasty comments with as much humour as I can," and ending her comment with a heartfelt red heart emoji.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx2cV7zMX2U/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx2cV7zMX2U/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by REBECCA LOOS (@rebeccaloosofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Numerous other users also came forward to support Loos on her most recent Instagram post, where she was pictured practicing yoga with the reflective caption: "Letting go and finding strength in the mountains of life."</p> <p>One individual commented, "I have always admired your strength Rebecca! Keep being strong!" while another person hoped she was doing well and encouraged her not to let the negativity of others affect her soul.</p> <p>Another fan commented on the renewed criticism and social media attacks on a woman they don't even know, urging people to "do better."</p> <p>Back in 2004, Loos was accused of having an affair with Manchester United star David Beckham while she was working as his personal assistant. At the time, Beckham had been married to Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham since 1999, and the allegations became a significant media sensation.</p> <p>On October 4, Netflix released the documentary series <em>Beckham</em>, which delves into the football player's career and marriage, including addressing the rumours of his infidelity in the early 2000s. Both David and Victoria Beckham discuss the impact of tabloid rumors on their marriage during the series.</p> <p>Victoria, in an individual interview for the series, admitted, "It was the most unhappy I have ever been in my entire life," and she shared how challenging it was, especially because they felt pitted against each other. David also acknowledged the difficulty of that period, emphasising Victoria's importance in his life and how hard it was to see her hurt but doubling down on their determination to overcome it together.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Princess Mary's touching tribute to late mother

<p>Princess Mary has paid tribute to her late mother, Henrietta Donaldson, in an emotional act as she opened up the National Grief Centre in Vejle, Denmark. </p> <p>The Danish Princess, who lost her mother at only 25 years of age, opened the grief centre to provide a place for children and young people who have experienced loss, to come together and talk, share their stories and find support.</p> <p>After giving her opening speech on Wednesday, the royal placed a tribute to her mother on the centre’s Memorial Tree.</p> <p>Pictures of the touching moment were posted on the Danish royal family’s Instagram, with the caption: “Many children and young people feel lonely when parents become seriously ill or die." </p> <p>“Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess today inaugurated The National Grief Centre in Vejle, which gives children, young people and other citizens in the region the opportunity to share their grief with others.</p> <p>“After giving the opening speech, the Crown Princess placed a greeting for her mother on the centre’s Memorial Tree.</p> <p>“Here, visitors to the centre can remember and write a greeting to someone who is seriously ill - or someone they have lost," it concluded. </p> <p>In the series of pictures posted on Instagram, Princess Mary can be seen greeting people at the centre, giving her speech, and hanging her tribute on the tree. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwQH1udtR-c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwQH1udtR-c/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fans have taken to the comments to share their support for the Princess. </p> <p>"Everyone is grieving and having a hard time, children of parents are always children, no matter how old!" wrote one follower. </p> <p>"Our sweet beautiful Mary," wrote another. </p> <p>"That’s truly heartfelt and beautiful. So important to feel supported," commented a third. </p> <p>The Princess' mother died suddenly after complications following a heart surgery in 1997. </p> <p>In a 2016 magazine interview with <em>Women’s Weekly</em>, the Danish royal opened up about her grief and how she lost her mother too early. </p> <p>“It’s so hard to see when it is so close and so personal, but as you get older, you learn to appreciate the time you had together as a gift,” she said.</p> <p>“And the loss offers something that you wouldn’t have otherwise.</p> <p>“It makes a strong person.”</p> <p><em style="color: var(--primary-text-color); font-family: var(--font-family); font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;">Images: <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;">detdanskekongehus Instagram</em></em></p>

Caring

This is our most detailed map of the brain’s memory centre

<p dir="ltr">Australian researchers have created the most detailed map we have of the hippocampus - the brain’s memory control centre - which could change the way we think about memory.</p> <p dir="ltr">The hippocampus, a complex structure that looks like a seahorse, is located deep within the brain. It plays a vital role in forming memories and transferring memories from short-term to long-term storage, as well as in navigation, creating mental images, visual perception, decision making, and imagining fictitious or future experiences.</p> <p dir="ltr">The team of scientists from the University of Sydney created the map using MRI scans from a database created for the Human Connectome Project, and used techniques they developed to follow connections from all different parts of the brain to the hippocampus.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What we’ve done is take a much more detailed look at the white matter pathways, which are essentially the highways of communication between different areas of the brain,” said Dr Marshall Dalton, a Research Fellow in the School of Psychology.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And we developed a new approach that allowed us to map how the hippocampus connects with the cortical mantle, the outer layer of the brain, but in a very detailed way.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What we’ve created is a highly detailed map of white matter pathways connecting the hippocampus with the rest of the brain. It’s essentially a roadmap of brain regions that directly connect with the hippocampus and support its important role in memory formation.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-226e8497-7fff-2949-ca9f-17daa0026428"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Mapping the brain in this way has never been done before, due to technical limitations that only allowed connections between the hippocampus and other parts of the brain to be visualised in broad terms.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/11/brain-diagram.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The seahorse-shaped hippocampus is located deep within the brain, and now scientists have created a detailed map of the connections between it and the frontal cortex and amygdala. Image: Wikimedia</em></p> <p dir="ltr">This scientific first has also come with some surprising discoveries that could change our understanding of human memory.</p> <p dir="ltr">While they found that their results mostly aligned with previous studies on primate brains, the team found that the number of connections between the hippocampus and some brain areas differed from what they expected.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We were surprised to find fewer connections between the hippocampus and frontal cortical areas, and more connections with early visual processing areas than we expected to see,” Dr Marshall said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although, this makes sense considering the hippocampus plays an important role not only in memory but also imagination and our ability to construct mental images in our mind’s eye.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d58ff870-7fff-48bb-dc67-b34c0982779c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Although the differences in the number of connections could be a result of limitations of MRIs, they could also explain some of the differences between humans and our primate cousins, particularly when it comes to short-term memory.</p> <p dir="ltr"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fj7lARXjrVY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">For example, chimpanzees have beaten humans at cognitive tasks that use game theory, a form of mathematics that relies on short-term memory, pattern recognition and rapid visual assessment.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Although we have achieved this high-resolution mapping of the human hippocampus, the tract tracing method conducted on non-human primates – which can see down to the cellular level – is able to see more connections than can be discerned with an MRI,” mused Dr Dalton.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Or it could be that the human hippocampus really does have a smaller number of connections with frontal areas than we expect, and greater connectivity with visual areas of the brain. As the neocortex expanded, perhaps humans evolved different patterns of connectivity to facilitate human-specific memory and visualisation functions which, in turn, may underpin human creativity.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a bit of a puzzle – we just don’t know. But we love puzzles and will keep investigating.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team published their findings in the journal <em><a href="https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.76143" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neuroscience</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-315f2b1e-7fff-62ef-0701-027552b6b343"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Human Connectome Project</em></p>

Mind

Kate Middleton’s touching gesture to child

<p dir="ltr">Kate Middleton has once again shown her affection for young children by offering up her poppy to a young child who didn’t have one.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Princess of Wales was visiting Colham Manor Children's Centre as a royal patron for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.</p> <p dir="ltr">A mother of three herself, the Princess spoke to new mums and families who have struggled since giving birth.</p> <p dir="ltr">On her way out, she bumped into three-year-old Akeem, who bombarded Kate with a series of questions – including asking for her name.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What is your name?” the curious kid asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“My name is Catherine. Nice to meet you,” she responded.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s not everyday you get a poppy from a Princess 😊 Akeem who’s 3 was very chatty when Kate unexpectedly stopped to say hello at a maternity mental health visit so she gave him her remembrance poppy. Thanks Liberty from Colham Manor primary and Akeem’s mum for letting me share <a href="https://t.co/ykP1wyujtf">pic.twitter.com/ykP1wyujtf</a></p> <p>— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyRhiannon/status/1590323556126457857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">She then asked Akeem if he had a poppy, pointing to her own, before he reached over and said, “No, I haven't found one”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Would you like mine?" the Princess then asked, to which Akeem said yes – at which point she proceeded to take off her poppy.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Do you know what this is for? It's for remembering all the soldiers who died in the war," the Princess told the young boy as she removed the poppy from her coat.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Here you go, that’s for you. You look after it,” she then said to the excited child before handing the sharp pin to his mother.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Family & Pets

Fence and digging marks at the centre of lion’s escape

<p dir="ltr">A fence and digging marks are at the centre of an investigation into how five lions managed to escape their enclosure at Taronga Zoo.</p> <p dir="ltr">One lion and four cubs were roaming around the Sydney tourist destination prompting emergency alarms to go off and people to run to safety. </p> <p dir="ltr">A family who was sleeping overnight at the zoo as part of the “Roar and Snoar” program were ordered to run as alarms blared “code one”. </p> <p dir="ltr">Luckily no one was injured and the lions are back in their enclosure with a statement revealing what caused the animals to escape. </p> <p dir="ltr">“An initial review of this morning’s incident has confirmed that an integrity issue with a containment fence enabled five lions to temporarily exit their main exhibit,” Taronga said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The lions are now in a back-of-house holding area while a full review continues.</p> <p dir="ltr">“A full report will now be prepared for the NSW Department of Primary Industries.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Keepers and vets report all lions are doing well.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Taronga Zoo remains open and is extremely grateful to its staff and the community for their support today.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Nine</em></p>

News

Man hides hefty lottery win from wife and child

<p dir="ltr">A Chinese man has kept his eye watering 219 million yuan (AUD$47,068,869) lottery win a secret from his wife and child so they don’t become lazy. </p> <p dir="ltr">Known only as Mr Li to conceal his identity, the man dressed up in a yellow cartoon costume when he accepted the huge win on October 24 at the lottery office in Nanning, in the southern region of Guangxi. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I did not tell my wife and child for fear that they would be too complacent and would not work or work hard in the future,” he told Nanning Evening News. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Li confessed that he bought 40 lottery tickets all of which had the same seven numbers, with the lottery company paying out 5.48 million yuan (AUD$1,177,811) for each ticket.</p> <p dir="ltr">Eventually he found out that he had the winning lottery numbers of 2, 15, 19, 26, 27, 29, and 2 and went to claim his prize. </p> <p dir="ltr">After receiving the hefty sum, Mr Li donated 5 million yuan (AUD$1,074,597) to charity and is still unsure of what to do with his fortune.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Li has been playing the lottery for a decade and only won minor prizes until this time round. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I regard buying the lottery as a hobby, and my family does not care. Plus, I do not spend much money on it, and the lottery provides a ray of hope for me,” he told the South China Morning Post. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Guangxi Welfare Lottery Centre</em></p>

Money & Banking

Lady Louise Windsor has surprising new job

<p dir="ltr">Lady Louise Windsor, one of Queen Elizabeth’s numerous grandchildren, has joined the thousands of young people in a tradition as old as time itself: getting a summer job.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she might be a royal, the 18-year-old’s new job is quite ordinary, with reports that she is earning £6.83 ($AU 11.68 or $NZ 13.03) at a garden centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Sun</em>, Lady Louise was spotted by a shopper, pruning and potting plants, as well as greeting customers and serving them behind the till.</p> <p dir="ltr">The shopper described the daughter of Prince Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, as “modest”, “sweet” and “polite”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I couldn’t believe it was Lady Louise – I had to look twice,” the shopper told the newspaper.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She is a really modest and sweet young woman who is polite and attentive to customers. She seemed to be loving the job.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’d never imagine the Queen’s granddaughter would take on a role working behind a till.”</p> <p dir="ltr">It’s believed Lady Louise is working at the garden centre several days a week, with the news coming after a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed she would be studying English at the University of St Andrew’s after finishing her A-levels in June.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though she is 16th in line for the throne, Lady Louise and her brother, James, don’t use an HRH title, nor are they expected to carry out duties when they’re older.</p> <p dir="ltr">As unexpected as the royal’s job appears, it seems to have delighted fans of the monarchy, with one fan telling <em>The Sun</em>: “It’s not every day you buy begonias off a royal.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-40e9b517-7fff-cd84-bd70-3ee69a7e173c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Home & Garden

How Olivia Newton-John’s legacy lives on

<p dir="ltr">The news of <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/honouring-dame-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dame Olivia Newton-John’s death</a> at the age of 73 rocked the world following an extremely brave fight against breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">For almost 30 years, Olivia pushed through several treatments and even founded the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre in 2012 to help others who were in the same boat.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her heartbreaking death surrounded by family has just proven how powerful her voice was in the treatment for breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Diagnosed at the age of 44 in 1992, Olivia’s fight was exactly that: a constant battle to ensure she pushed through her cancer treatments.</p> <p dir="ltr">Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre is part of Austin Health which has seen incredible breakthroughs because of the late <em>Grease</em> star.</p> <p dir="ltr">The chief executive of Austin Health, Adam Horsburgh said without Olivia, the centre would not exist.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Without her drive and her commitment, the centre would not be here,” he told <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2022/aug/09/this-was-her-dream-olivia-newton-johns-legacy-lives-on-at-cancer-research-centre" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And her ongoing support over many years has ensured the success of the centre.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It has enabled us to provide care and support to thousands of patients over the past 10 years.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Todd Harper, the chief executive of Cancer Council Victoria said if it weren’t for Olivia’s determination, research would not be where it is today.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia was a pioneer in the cancer field and her work provided inspiration for many,” he said in a statement.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her advocacy enabled the work of dedicated scientists advancing scientific discoveries and offered hope to many affected by a cancer diagnosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She led the focus on wellness and the importance of physical, emotional and spiritual support not only for the person going through a cancer diagnosis but their carers, families and friends.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia’s impact can’t be overstated, and her legacy will continue in the work of world-leading research, treatment and care.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The ONJ centre first opened in June 2012 and is currently involved with about 200 clinical trials for a variety of cancers, including brain, bowel, breast, melanoma, gastrointestinal, head and neck, pancreatic, prostate and lung cancer</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAntToP_D0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ChAntToP_D0/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Olivia Newton-John (@therealonj)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The news of Olivia’s passing was announced by her husband on Instagram via his late wife’s account, and included an appeal to continue her good works in the field of cancer research:</p> <p dir="ltr">“Dame Olivia Newton-John (73) passed away peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends. We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time,” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

“I want my story to be heard”: Detained woman’s chilling words before her death revealed

<p><em>Content warning: This article includes mentions of suicide and mental health struggles.</em></p> <p>A woman who died of a suspected suicide in an Australian immigration detention centre has been identified as a New Zealand mum of two, who had her mental health medication restricted and pleaded with fellow detainees to tell her story just hours before she died.</p> <p>It is understood the woman was a 53-year-old from Christchurch (Ōtautahi), as reported by <em>TeAoMāori.news</em>.</p> <p>It has also been reported that the woman’s cell was raided by guards, who removed a stray cat she had adopted during her time at the centre, hours before her death on Saturday.</p> <p>She had been held at Sydney’s Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for six months under the controversial <a href="https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/2-when-can-visa-be-refused-or-cancelled-under-section-501" target="_blank" rel="noopener">501 deportation program</a> - which allows for non-Australian citizens to be subject to deportation if their criminal record includes a prison sentence of 12 months or more.</p> <p>During the woman’s stay, fellow detainees said her mental state rapidly deteriorated.</p> <p>“The treatment she received was not human,” a source inside the facility who was familiar with its operations and her situation, told <em>Māori TV</em>.</p> <p>The source said Serco, the centre’s private operator, is failing to tackle mental illness among detainees.</p> <p>“With mental health concerns, basically it’s the same approach for everyone. Heavily sedate them so they shut up.”</p> <p>Ian Rintoul, a member of the advocacy group Refugee Action Coalition, told <em>Māori TV</em> the fellow detainees and the woman herself pleaded with Serco to get her help.</p> <p>Both she and a few other detainees had told Serco and Border Force (that) she needed help and should not be in detention. Her mental illness was very obvious,” Rintoul said.</p> <p>Friends of the woman have remembered her as “gorgeous, with a beautiful wairua”, per <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/501-deportee-who-died-in-australian-custody-was-christchurch-mother-of-two/I2TQLNEHOLVNWN7KVVIVZBOYZA/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>NZ Herald</em></a>.</p> <p>“I was concerned about her, about her mental health, especially in that place,” one said.</p> <p>The day after her death, detainees told The Guardian that she had been fighting to get access to her mental health medication earlier in the day and that she wanted her story to be told.</p> <p>“She told me that she needs to have some medication at 8am in the morning but they’d give her medication like at 11am or 11.30am. And that makes her feel bad,” one detainee told the publication.</p> <p>“She was telling us last night, ‘I want my story herald. I want the people to know what happened to me. I want to tell the people what these detention centres do to people,” another recalled.</p> <p>One detainee said one of the likely “final straws” was when guards took the cat she adopted, which had been roaming the facility.</p> <p>“She was pretty obsessive, attached, and they knew that. They broke her spirit,” they said.</p> <p>Her fellow deportees also said the woman was trying to get in touch with her two sons, one of whom lives in Sydney, but she believed guards were preventing her from doing so.</p> <p>According to Māori TV, the Australian Border Force took more than 12 hours to get in touch with the woman’s family after she died, while Aotearoa’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Monday night that it hadn’t been notified of a death of a New Zealand woman in an Australian detention centre.</p> <p>Her death also comes within days of Australia’s change in leadership, wth incoming Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signalling that the 501 program would continue but that there might be more consideration for the time someone has lived in Australia and whether they have ties to New Zealand.</p> <p>New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has welcomed potential reforms to the program, which disproportionately affects Māori, and said she will raise the grievances related to the program “no matter whom the leader is in Australia”.</p> <p>“We accept because we do it too, circumstances under which people will be deported … we have always reserved the right for New Zealand to do that,” Ms Ardern said in her weekly post-Cabinet press conference.</p> <p>“The area we have had grievance is where individuals are being deported who have little or no connection to New Zealand.</p> <p>“I will be utterly consistent no matter whom the leader is in Australia with raising that grievance.”</p> <p><em>If you are experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit <a href="https://www.lifeline.org.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifeline.org.nz</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

Elvis takes centre-stage in unlikely destination

<p dir="ltr">A blockbuster exhibition of all things Elvis Presley is taking over the regional Victorian city of Bendigo, with over 30 activities featuring across the four month celebration.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-e2855737-7fff-6496-3e4e-e95a964df353"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Elvis: Direct From Graceland has taken over Bendigo Art Gallery displaying about 300 personal items on loan from Graceland, Memphis, including Presley’s military uniforms, jumpsuits, his wedding suit and Priscilla’s wedding gown and veil, and their daughter’s toys.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbWu5Y4twRG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbWu5Y4twRG/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bendigo Art Gallery (@bendigoartgallery)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Even the King’s vehicles have made the journey, with his custom Harley Davidson and the red convertible from the film Blue Hawaii - the only car Elvis actually owned from his movies - included in the display.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-72aa5824-7fff-8be8-fb5d-2fbc697e22e9"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">One room is dedicated entirely to his outfits, including the one he wore to meet President Nixon, an array of his bedazzled Vegas suits, and casual off-stage outfits.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/elvis-bendigo1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Elvis’ personal items, including an array of his dazzling suits, are also on display. Image: @bendigoartgallery (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">But, the Elvis-themed festivities extend beyond the gallery, with appropriately themed cuisine appearing in the local restaurants and Bendigo Central’s chocolatier.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ca309c2b-7fff-9f96-9a2a-9c3b3279d53b"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Hustler, Bendigo’s modern American diner, has added two burgers to its menu: the Burning Love burger and the Fool’s Goldburger, featuring a 150g beef patty, crisps, peanut butter and raspberry jelly between a doughnut bun.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbcDAGZrZrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CbcDAGZrZrJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Hustler (@hustlerbendigo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-45413cd0-7fff-ddd8-6e60-edc664959410"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Another highlight is the Shake, Rattle and Roll tram, a moving bar operating every weekend and offering Love Me Tender cocktails to sip on as you trundle along the picturesque cityscape with a soundtrack of Elvis classics.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/elvis-bendigo2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The Shake, Rattle and Roll tram makes its way through the city streets every weekend. Image: Supplied</em></p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b8d5a86-7fff-f037-f508-14530678ffbd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The conservatory in Rosalind Park has also been transformed to include interactive displays that pay homage to Elvis’ favourite hangouts, while performers and screening of Elvis movies descend on Hargreaves Mall.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/elvis-bendigo3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Elvis’ wedding suit and Priscilla Presley’s gown on display at the gallery. Image: @bendigoartgallery (Instagram)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">So whether you’re a die hard Elvis fan or are looking for a unique weekend away, Bendigo will be the place to head to until July 17, when the King heads home once again.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-299505cc-7fff-311f-0183-65dc7bbcb0d2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: @bendigoartgallery (Instagram)</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Shocking footage emerges of pregnant woman hit by out of control driver

<p dir="ltr">Footage has emerged of an out-of-control ute accelerating into a medical centre full of people, but not before hitting a pregnant woman who had been about to walk inside.</p> <p dir="ltr">The mum-to-be was heading into the Balcatta Radiological Clinic in Perth for her eight-week scan when she was struck by the ute, which launched out of the car park.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-b37ddfe5-7fff-15d3-c1c6-681a0a0841dd"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Footage captured from multiple angles shows the driver carefully edging into a parking spot right outside the medical centre entrance, before it’s believed they hit the accelerator and hit both a bollard and the woman.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/05/car3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="281" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>The car struck the pregnant woman and a bollard before crashing into the medical centre. Image: 9News</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The car then crashed into the centre, narrowly missing the patients and staff inside but rattling them and other bystanders nonetheless.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I haven’t actually heard a noise like that before, it was huge,” Sandy Meikle, a witness, told <em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/out-of-control-driver-smashes-through-perth-surgery-clinic-injuring-pregnant-woman/df8d5f64-8c4b-4af1-9c6c-842892ecfeba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“(There was) a lot of screaming and a lot of jumping,” Meikle said.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pregnant woman, who is in her 20s, was taken to Royal Perth Hospital and another woman was treated for shock.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, workers at the medical centre said this isn’t the first time someone has crashed into the building.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve actually seen it happen before, someone drove through the building before, it’s happened twice,” a security guard said, with staff adding that the unlucky bollard had been installed to prevent such incidents from happening.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police questioned the elderly driver, who was uninjured, at the scene.</p> <p dir="ltr">No charges have been laid as of publication.</p> <p dir="ltr">Watch the shocking footage <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/out-of-control-driver-smashes-through-perth-surgery-clinic-injuring-pregnant-woman/df8d5f64-8c4b-4af1-9c6c-842892ecfeba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-85e4fcbb-7fff-5e52-c587-b91bae6951ac"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

Caring

Qantas passengers left fuming on hold

<p dir="ltr">Customers have been left fuming after being kept on hold for 8.5 hours with Qantas. </p> <p dir="ltr">Despite borders being open for a while now, flyers are still confused about what is needed with travelling such as masks, vaccinations and isolating. </p> <p dir="ltr">Katrina was one of those confused passengers who said she is embarrassed at having to wait on hold for an excruciating 8.5 hours with Qantas. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I took the call to a meeting, I took the call to an eatery,” Katrina told 2GB.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It was a two-hour meeting and we had the music playing in the background the whole time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Others took to Twitter to share their horror hold-time stories, saying it is unacceptable to wait that long.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was on hold for 6hrs 46mins and the customer service agent cut me off. This is easily the worst customer service I’ve experienced - all while trying to fix an error Qantas has made on a booking!! So unacceptable,” someone wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“@Qantas total of 6 hours on hold across 2 calls with no answer. Almost $750 taken from my account with no flight to show for it, $300 locked up in your "Qantas pass". Still unresolved. Australia's worst airline for sure,” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Three HOURS on hold @Qantas what world are we living in?” someone asked.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Hey @qantas I’ve made four phone calls over the past week and been on hold for over 10 hours in total and I’m still waiting to hear back from you,” another comment read.</p> <p dir="ltr">Qantas chief customer officer Stephanie Tully apologised to customers and said they are looking to fix the issue. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I want to sincerely apologise to our customers, the wait times are not acceptable at all and it is our top priority to fix this,” Ms Tully said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

The world’s greatest department stores

<p><strong>Galeries Lafayette, Paris</strong></p> <p><span>A Paris institution, Galeries Lafayette houses cutting-edge fashion, jewellery and accessories, home decor and cosmetics, as well as a renowned food section that will have gourmands salivating. </span></p> <p><span>But beyond the shopping, the store is known for its Belle Époque architecture; sign up for a free guided tour of the neo-Byzantine coloured glass dome, rooftop terrace and Art Nouveau staircase.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjiAsNIHQN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CTjiAsNIHQN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Galeries Lafayette (@galerieslafayette)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele, Milan</strong></p> <p><span>Designed in 1860 and built between 1865 and 1877, the Galleria consists of two intersecting covered streets in the centre of Milan, joined by an octagonal space topped with a glass dome connecting the Duomo and Teatro Alla Scala. </span></p> <p><span>Home to some of the city’s oldest shops and restaurants, this predecessor of modern shopping malls is worth a visit for the people watching alone.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLgwB9oMFFK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLgwB9oMFFK/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (@galleriavittorioemanuele)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Le Bon Marche, Paris</strong></p> <p><span>The oldest department store in Paris and, some say, the first in the world, Le Bon Marché was designed by Gustav Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel) and opened in 1852. </span></p> <p><span>The food department, La grande épicerie de Paris, stocks more than 5,000 local and global products – think French artisanal jams, Spanish ham and Welsh mineral water – for the discerning picnicker.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5mh6No6WE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5mh6No6WE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche (@lebonmarcherivegauche)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Detsky Mir, Moscow</strong></p> <p>Famous since Soviet times, “Children’s World” was Europe’s largest children’s department store when it opened in 1957, and the dream destination of countless Russian children for its endless selection of toys and games, plus a working carousel.</p> <p>Closed for extensive renovations between 2008 and 2014, the fully refurbished store is once again open for business.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WtHzxiK5t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7WtHzxiK5t/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by ... и это все о Нём... 💔🙏🏻❤️ (@olgaisole)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Selfridges, London</strong></p> <p><span>At 4 hectares, Selfridges’ Oxford Street flagship store is the second-largest shop in England (beaten for the top spot by Harrods) and has the stock to show for it. </span></p> <p><span>Be sure to check out the famous window displays, which have been photographed and featured in magazines including Vogue and Dwell, and take a break from endless shopping to check out the Art Deco main entrance and in-store art exhibitions.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhoL7-N3Bm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYhoL7-N3Bm/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Adam Gagliani Saunders (@agaglianiphoto)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Takashimaya, Kyoto</strong></p> <p><span>With roots that can be traced back to a Kyoto kimono shop that opened in 1831, the Takashimaya chain operates stores in Japan, Taiwan and Singapore. </span></p> <p><span>Western brands are well represented but you won’t want to miss the collections of Japanese ceramics, new and recycled kimonos and Kyoto souvenirs. </span></p> <p><span>Head to the basement for the food section, where you’ll find beautiful sweet and savoury Japanese delicacies to admire and enjoy.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYbTj67JGrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYbTj67JGrC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ti (@tidaltastic)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>La Rinascente, Florence</strong></p> <p><span>Among the best-known stores in Florence, this six-floor department store houses everything you’d expect from a luxury shopping centre, plus traditional Tuscan goods including terra cotta, olive oils and wrought iron (just try getting that railing in your suitcase). </span></p> <p><span>Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a cappuccino, an Italian pastry and a fantastic view of the city, including the world-famous Duomo.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXULcAIK3pQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CXULcAIK3pQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Sergio Biancalani (@sergiobiancalani)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Isetan, Tokyo</strong></p> <p><span>Reflecting the lives of its more than 30 million customers a year, the historic Isetan shop hosts Western and Japanese designer brands alongside kimonos and accessories. </span></p> <p><span>Some of the world’s most famous pastry chefs are represented in the basement food hall, which also houses a huge chocolate section. English-speaking assistance is available for visiting shoppers and the rooftop gardens are a must-visit.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD-X7edJctz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CD-X7edJctz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Isetan The Japan Store KL (@isetanthejapanstore)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>El Corte Ingles, Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona</strong></p> <p><span>Europe’s biggest department store chain, El Corte Inglés – the name translates as “the English cut” – has its flagship store in Madrid with an outpost, its largest store, in Lisbon. </span></p> <p><span>The latter spreads across nine floors and includes restaurants and a 14-screen movie theatre – the perfect place to while away a rainy day on holiday. </span></p> <p><span>Shop here for Spanish and Portuguese souvenirs including flamenco dolls and embroidered shawls.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYjIKUTNcZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CYjIKUTNcZ-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Luca Grella (@lucke94)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Harrods, London</strong></p> <p><span>With more than 90,000 square metres of selling space spread over 300-plus departments, you’d be hard pressed not to find something to buy in Harrods, the world’s most iconic department store. </span></p> <p><span>Got cash to burn? Book a personal shopper to help you navigate the aisles and zero-in on that perfect find. </span></p> <p><span>From cream tea to tapas, the restaurant selection in this iconic London attraction will leave you satisfied; reviewers rave about the ice cream and the Fresh Fish Market.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaf7X5M03h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CGaf7X5M03h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by @LONDON • #ThisIsLondon (@london)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/destinations/the-worlds-greatest-department-stores" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Travel Tips

Let him out: Judge makes huge call over Djokovic detention

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Novak Djokovic’s legal battle to remain in the country for the Australian Open later this month has begun, seeing the tennis champion leave immigration detention at the Park Hotel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Djokovic has captured international attention after his Australian visa was cancelled, prompting protests outside the hotel where he has been detained as well as in his home country of Serbia.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The difference between refugees and <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> goes beyond the length of their detentions. The asymmetry extends to the fact that Djokovic is able to defend himself in court and refugees are not; they are totally failed by the judicial system.</p> — Behrouz Boochani (@BehrouzBoochani) <a href="https://twitter.com/BehrouzBoochani/status/1480355277396316162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a submission to the Federal Circuit Court, Djokovic’s lawyers said he had been infected with COVID-19 in December, which served as the basis for his medical exemption to enter the country while unvaccinated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, there has been confusion over whether contracting the virus in the past six months was a sufficient reason to receive an exemption.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During his hearing on Monday afternoon, ongoing issues with the live stream have meant Djokovic has been unable to watch the proceedings from the hotel.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a result, Federal Circuit Judge Anthony Kelly made an order that Djokovic be allowed to leave the hotel so he can view the hearing at another location.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"> <p dir="ltr">Judge Kelly has just ordered the govt/ABF bring Djokovic to a loction specified by his solicitor on Monday (and whatever days the court ends up sitting) so he can watch the hearing.<br /><br />It probably won't be his solicitor's office, Hall & Wilcox has a "no vax, no entry" policy.</p> — Karen Sweeney (@karenlsweeney) <a href="https://twitter.com/karenlsweeney/status/1480354621658861569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The respondent, by her servants or agents, including the Australian Border Force, take all steps and do all things as may be necessary to bring the applicant to premises as specified by the applicant’s solicitors on Monday, 10 January 2022 (and each day thereafter, including upon the delivery of judgement), to permit him to remain there until the conclusion of each hearing and to secure his safe return to detention upon the conclusion of each hearing,” the order </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/live-novak-djokovic-court-hearing-over-visa-cancellation/news-story/ec608e63f4a8cff508230539e493e3d5" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">read</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the live stream was overwhelmed by the number of people attempting to view proceedings, the court’s feed was paused just before midday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other issues included the accidental interruption of proceedings by a member of the public who joined the stream but wasn’t on mute.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’re in,” the person said, before being rebuked by Judge Kelly.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Can I ask whoever is on screen to mute themselves. There is every importance that the only people who should be online with their microphones are those who are making submissions to court,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Any other behaviour by any person who may be wishing to watch this live will produce a very real risk that the bandwidth available for this hearing will be overwhelmed and the hearing will be interrupted and that is utterly unacceptable.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">UPDATE: The matter is now due to resume at 3:45pm AEDT - <a href="https://t.co/WHxy78EES6">https://t.co/WHxy78EES6</a> <a href="https://t.co/tEwhLryz0j">https://t.co/tEwhLryz0j</a></p> — Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (@FCFCOA) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCFCOA/status/1480394960801308672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2022</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Following the interruptions, the hearing was paused until 3.15pm on Monday afternoon, before being delayed another half an hour.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: @djokernole (Instagram)</span></em></p>

News

Banksy offers to turn unused prison into an arts centre

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Banksy has offered to raise over $18 million in order to buy a prison in the UK which was adorned with an artwork created by the street artist earlier this year. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Developers had originally planned to turn the HMP Reading into apartments, but the plans for the heritage-listed site fell through.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now back on the market for the hefty price, Banksy has offered to raise the funds by selling the stencil he used to paint a mural on the wall in March 2021. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The stencil has an estimated value of between $18 million and $28 million, and will be sold privately, as opposed to being sold at auction. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Banksy’s generous offer is contingent on the site being used as an arts complex, in line with a $4.8 million bid made by Reading Borough Council last year which was rejected by the Ministry of Justice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking to the</span> <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/banksy-sketches-out-10m-plan-to-free-oscar-wildes-prison-from-developers-2s70c86p9"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sunday Times</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Banksy said, “I had very little interest in Reading until I was on a rail replacement bus service that went past the jail.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It's rare to find an uninterrupted 500m-long paintable surface slap bang in the middle of a town; I literally clambered over the passenger next to me to get a closer look.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I promised myself I'd paint the wall even before I knew what it was. I'm passionate about it now, though.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said, “Oscar Wilde is the patron saint of smashing two contrasting ideas together to create magic. Converting the place that destroyed him into a refuge for art feels so perfect we have to do it.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Banksy has only sold one of his stencils before, making it his rarest art form. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Art

Unseen photos released to commemorate 9/11 attacks

<p>The US Secret Service recently released six new images of 9/11 which have never been seen before, to mark the event’s 20th anniversary.</p> <p>The Secret Service released six images, including an eerie photo taken at Ground Zero after the Tower’s collapse. The Service also released a video commemorating the attack, on Twitter.</p> <p>Another photo, taken by a Secret Service employee, shows smoke billowing from the World Trade Centre towers after both planes had struck the buildings.</p> <p>During the attacks which changed the world on the morning of September 11, 2001, almost 3000 people were killed, including more than 2600 at the World Trade Centre in New York.</p> <p>Another 125 people died at the Pentagon and 265 on the four planes that were hijacked.</p> <p>More than 20,000 people were injured.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">🇺🇸9/11: U.S. Secret Service reveals previously unpublished photos of 9/11<br /><br />The photographs were taken by employees of the service: they show the twin towers after the tragedy, damaged limousines and the area on which the World Trade Center complex was located. <a href="https://t.co/MXXd9xW6Br">pic.twitter.com/MXXd9xW6Br</a></p> — The RAGEX (@theragex) <a href="https://twitter.com/theragex/status/1436670434288754693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><strong>'Scars forever' for Jack Grandcolas and his family</strong></p> <p>Twenty years after the attack, Jack Grandcolas still remembers waking up at 7.03 that morning.</p> <p>He looked at the clock, then out the window where an image in the sky caught his eye - a fleeting vision that looked like an angel ascending. He didn’t know it yet, but that was the moment his life changed.</p> <p>On the other side of the country, it was 10.03 am and United Flight 93 had just crashed into a Pennsylvania field.</p> <p>His wife, Lauren, was not supposed to be on that flight.</p> <p>So, when he turned on the television and saw the chilling scenes of September 11, 2001, unfolding, he was not worried for her.</p> <p>Then he saw the blinking light on the answering machine.</p> <p>Lauren had left two messages that morning, as he slept with the phone ringer off in the bedroom.</p> <p>First, with good news that she was taking an earlier flight from New Jersey home to San Francisco.</p> <p>Then she called from the plane. There was “a little problem”, his wife said, but she was “comfortable for now”. She did not say she would call back, Grandcolas recalls.</p> <p>She said: “I love you more than anything, just know that. Please tell my family I love them too. Goodbye, honey.”</p> <p>“That moment I looked over at the television and there was a smouldering hole on the ground in Pennsylvania. They said it was United Flight 93,” said Grandcolas, 58.</p> <p>“That’s when I dropped to the ground.”</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4f5444d2294344dbaf77fd9159c11cc0" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843999/9-11-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4f5444d2294344dbaf77fd9159c11cc0" /></p> <p>All 44 people on board were killed. Lauren was 38 years old and three months pregnant with their first child.</p> <p>She had travelled east to attend her grandmother’s funeral in New Jersey, and then stayed a few extra days to announce the pregnancy - a little “good news to lift the spirits of her parents and sisters after burying their grandmother”, Grandcolas said.</p> <p>Flight 93 was the fourth and final plane to be hijacked on September 11 by four al-Qaeda terrorists on a suicide mission aimed at the Capitol in Washington DC.</p> <p>Passengers and crew members used seatback phones to call loved ones and authorities and learned of the first two attacks, on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington DC.</p> <p>Realising their hijacking was part of a broader attack, they took a vote to fight back and try to gain control of the plane. It was a heroic act that spared countless more lives.</p> <p>“What they did was amazingly dramatic,” Grandcolas said. It was “a selfless act of love to conquer hate”.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BTD1tSEo8gU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>20th anniversary this year</strong></p> <p>For years, Grandcolas has bristled at the term ‘9/11 anniversary’ because he feels an anniversary is something to celebrate.</p> <p>But the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attack is an important one, Grandcolas said, adding he plans to travel to Pennsylvania to visit the Flight 93 National Memorial for the first time since 2003.</p> <p>“Every year it’s a gut punch,” he said in an interview near his home in Pebble Beach, south of Santa Cruz in California. “We will live with the scars the rest of our lives.”</p> <p>Grandcolas struggled with depression and survivor’s guilt in the aftermath of the tragedy.</p> <p>With the help of therapy, he came to see Lauren’s message from the plane as meant to reassure him and her family and “to let us know that she was OK with what was transpiring”.</p> <p>That unworldly image he saw in the sky the morning of September 11 took on new meaning as he healed.</p> <p>“It didn’t dawn on me until later that the vision was Lauren.” He would hear her voice in times of struggle, telling him to get up and keep living his life.</p> <p>Grandcolas eventually remarried. Today, he’s semi-retired from his career as an advertising executive. He is writing a book about the grieving process which will be a tribute to his unborn child with Lauren.</p> <p>On the 20th anniversary, Grandcolas finds himself thinking back to how the country came together after 9/11, which he sees as a stark contrast to the division plaguing America today.</p> <p>“This country was united from sea to shining sea, and today, maybe now, would be a good time to let the divisiveness drop,” he said.</p> <p><em>Images: U.S. Secret Service/Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

From the Red Centre to the green tropics, Australia’s Outback presents a palette like no other

<p><strong>By Reader's Digest, in partnership with APT</strong></p> <p>From the sunburnt sands and ochre-hued escarpments of its Red Centre to the lush green rainforests of Tropical North Queensland, Australia’s Outback packs a punch when it comes to the kaleidoscope of colours on show. <a href="https://www.aptouring.com.au/?utm_source=readersdigest&utm_medium=advertorial&utm_content=20200302_outback2020_readersdigest_native&utm_campaign=outback2020">APT</a> has been operating tours in the Outback for more than 50 years, and are experts in tailoring holidays to showcase the best of each magical region.</p> <p><strong>A world of rainforest and reef</strong></p> <p>In Cape Tribulation, rainforest-clad mountains tumble down to meet the coastline, where pure white sands and turquoise waters dazzle. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites meet – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree is the oldest tropical lowland forest in the world and is home to thousands of species of birds, animals and reptiles. Here, giant fan palms, emerald green vines and ancient ferns tangle together, forming a dense rainforest that makes you feel as though you are stepping into Jurassic Park.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>APT offers an 11-day 4WD adventure through Cooktown & Cape York. Arrive in Cairns and transfer to Port Douglas, where you’ll spend a night at the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. Travel to Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park and set off on a Dreamtime Gorge Walk. Explore Cape Tribulation and Cooktown then visit Split Rock, an intriguing Indigenous rock art site. Take a helicopter flight into the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve before continuing north to the tip of Cape York. Here, set out on a walk to the tip of the peninsula and enjoy a helicopter flight for an aerial perspective on this incredible landscape.</p> <p><strong style="font-style: inherit;">Be moved by the outback’s heart</strong></p> <p>As the light shifts and changes throughout the day, so does the landscape at Uluru – the Outback’s spiritual heart. At sunrise, feel an overwhelming sense of calm as you watch this mighty monolith come to life against a pastel-coloured sky. In the afternoon, Uluru appears as an ochre-brown hue, scored with dark shadows. As the sun begins to set, it bathes the rock in burnt orange, then a series of deeper and darker reds, before it finally fades into charcoal as night falls. Spend a night at the Field of Light and savour dinner under the stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the didgeridoo. With Uluru in the background, watch in awe as 50,000 soft lights cover the desert floor behind you.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>On APT’s 11-day Central to South Explorer tour, start your journey in Uluru, where you’ll embark on a base tour at sunrise and experience a night at the Field of Light. Learn about the history of opal mining in Coober Pedy then travel along the iconic Oodnadatta Track to WIlliam Creek. Take an included scenic flight over spectacular Kati Thanda–Lake Eyre before journeying to Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. While here, spend two nights at the Ikara Safari Camp – the perfect base for exploring Wilpena Pound National Park. A winery lunch in Adelaide’s Clare Valley is the perfect ending to your journey.</p> <p><strong style="font-style: inherit;">Getting your fill of Lake Eyre</strong></p> <p>Few sights in Australia stir the soul more than that of the normally dry Lake Eyre filling with water and suddenly teeming with life. The lake, properly known as Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, relies on monumental rains in Queensland and the Northern Territory for water to begin to flow into it. Last year saw the lake reach levels unseen for almost half a century, and it is hoped that 2020’s northern monsoon season will see the region once again alive with fish surging through the rivers that feed Lake Eyre, and its surface thronged with an array of birdlife including hundreds of thousands of pelicans. In a land battling drought and bushfires, the vision of water shimmering on the surface of the lake is life affirming. And it is something to be treasured and celebrated, so take this rare chance to go with the flow.</p> <p><strong><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.413612565445px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843791/red-centre-2-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/5655363ea89d4bf1b0684a7bf50cfbba" /></strong></p> <p><strong>Paradise found amid corals and blooms</strong></p> <p>Stretching over 1,100 kilometres of seemingly untouched coastline, Western Australia’s Coral Coast is a marine paradise like no other. Here, waves lap lazily on pristine white-sand beaches and turtles sweep through sheltered turquoise bays.</p> <p>The crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park harbour the world’s largest fringing reef. Beneath the surface, you’ll find dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, and more than 500 species of fish. There’s more to discover on land, where colourful blankets of native wildflowers burst into bloom between August and September along the spectacular Wildflower Way. For a whole new perspective on the region, take to the skies on a helicopter flight over the Dampier Archipelago. The staggering contrast between brilliant white beaches, aquamarine waters, and the rugged red Pilbara landscape is a breathtaking sight – one that can only be experienced from the air.</p> <p><em style="font-weight: inherit;">On tour</em></p> <p>Board the MS Caledonian Sky in Broome and navigate the remote islands of Western Australia’s Coral Coast on a 15-day small ship expedition cruise and 4WD adventure. Discover life below the surface while snorkelling the clear waters of this marine paradise. Disembark in Geraldton and continue the adventure as you explore Kalbarri National Park and the eerie limestone Pinnacles. To finish up your journey, there’s a stay in a luxury eco-tent on the beautiful Rottnest Island.</p> <p style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><em style="font-weight: inherit;">This </em><em>article originally appeared on <a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/from-the-red-centre-to-the-green-tropics-australias-outback-presents-a-palette-like-no-other">Reader's Digest.</a></em></p> <p><em>Photos: Reader’s Digest</em></p>

Domestic Travel

Coronavirus could turn cities into doughnuts: empty centres but vibrant suburbs

<div class="grid-ten large-grid-nine grid-last content-body content entry-content instapaper_body inline-promos"> <p>The most COVID-19 lockdowns were accompanied by sobering news from the UK’s high streets. The Arcadia Group, which owns some of the UK’s most iconic high street clothing retail outlets – Topshop, Topman and Dorothy Perkins, among others – has gone into administration.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the UK’s oldest retail chain, Debenhams, is closing. Around 12,000 people are set to lose their jobs, on top of 6,500 already lost this year, after efforts to rescue the retailer fell through.</p> <p>All of this comes at the end of a decade that saw a major decline of British high streets. Since 2007, some 556 retail companies have failed, with the closure of almost 39,100 stores and the loss of 468,809 jobs as shoppers move online.</p> <p>These impacts vary geographically. Many of the closures are concentrated in city centres. But beyond the city core, there remains the prospect that smaller town centres and suburban high streets might emerge stronger in 2021 as people learn to love shopping locally again.</p> <p><strong>A downwards trend</strong></p> </div> <div class="grid-ten grid-prepend-two large-grid-nine grid-last content-topics topic-list"> <p>Long before the pandemic, high street retailers were facing stiff competition from out-of-town shopping centres and, more importantly, online retailing.</p> <p>According to the UK’s Office for National Statistics, online sales in November 2006 totalled 2.8% of all retail sales. The latest data shows that online sales in October 2020 amounted to 28.1% of total retail sales – but this had already risen to 21.5% in November 2019, before COVID-19 reached the UK.</p> <p>The pandemic has exacerbated the downwards slide of high streets. Thousands of the shops closed in March 2020 have not reopened.</p> <p>But there are markedly different patterns from town to town. Local high streets with more convenience shopping, hot food takeaways and other essential businesses have generally performed much better than city centres dominated by department stores and shops selling higher-value items.</p> <p>Take Greater Manchester, for example. Google’s Community Mobility data shows that visitor numbers to retail and recreation spaces in smaller town centres like Bury and Rochdale have recovered faster. In contrast, Manchester city centre has continued to perform much more poorly as commuters continue to work at home and avoid public transport.</p> <p>It may actually be that COVID-19 has encouraged more people to shop locally, and that they have begun to see more value in their local town centres. This raises a fundamental question about the future of city centre retailing.</p> <p>London provides a good example. Now that the first COVID vaccine has been approved by the UK government, central London will undoubtedly eventually return to some of its former vitality, attracting tourists and other visitors to enjoy its eclectic night-time economy, theatres, galleries and museums.</p> <p>But, if more people prefer to work at home and not head into central London from the suburbs, the retail retraction we have witnessed in 2020 will only worsen.</p> <p><strong>Hollow cities</strong></p> <p>Retail and recreation visitor numbers in central London – the City of Westminster and the City of London – have been particularly affected by COVID-19 when compared to the wider city.</p> <p>Overall average daily visitor numbers to retail and recreation spaces within Westminster and the City of London fell by 70.6% and 76.7% respectively between February 15 and November 24 2020. The most recent lockdown, which commenced on November 5, saw retail and recreation visitor numbers fall to 90%-92% below pre-COVID levels.</p> <p>In comparison, overall average retail and recreation visitor numbers in inner London and outer London councils were down by 54.9% and 38.4% respectively. Our mapping of the impact of COVID-19 on visitor journeys to retail and recreation places across London effectively reveals a “doughnut city”: shoppers have abandoned the centre, while suburbs have remained rather more resilient.</p> <p>The future of city centre high streets after COVID-19 is uncertain. One answer would be to suggest the cities will bounce back as vaccinated workers and shoppers return, and that their shopping streets will live on.</p> <p>However, this does not take into account the scars left by COVID-19. Take London’s iconic Oxford Street as an example. Since late March, department store John Lewis has halved the size of its Oxford Street store. House of Fraser, another department store, is to be part-repurposed as offices and a gym. Topshop’s flagship store on the street is at risk of closure.</p> <p>With online retail behemoth Amazon emerging as one of the only winners of COVID-19, we have to be realistic about the future of central London as a shopping hub.</p> <p>Retail rents are declining fast in the West End, and it is likely that prime retail sites will be converted to offices or even homes. The UK government has already loosened planning regulations that permits the conversion of shops to residential uses without planning permission – all part of the drive to solve the housing crisis.</p> <p>We are witnessing a switch in the use of urban space, as people working from home increasingly spend time, and money, outside city centres. The hope is that smaller high streets and those local centres most valued as hubs of community life, not just places of consumption, will witness a renaissance in 2021. The viability of larger centres – Birmingham, Manchester, and especially London – looks to have fundamentally unravelled.</p> <p class="p1"><em>Written by Paul J. Maginn and Philip Hubbard. This article first appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-could-turn-cities-into-doughnuts-empty-centres-but-vibrant-suburbs-151406">The Conversation</a>.</em></p> </div>

International Travel

The inhumanity of Australia’s new offshore detention centre

<p>Papua New Guinea authorities arrested 52 offshore detainees previously held on Manus Island <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/leaked-photos-of-papua-new-guinea-prison-reveal-torture-of-18-asylum-seekers-cut-off-from-world">in August last year</a> and incarcerated them in the purpose-built Bomana immigration centre. The facility is part of a large prison complex that goes by the same name on the outskirts of Port Moresby.</p> <p>Opened in April last year, the <a href="https://www.kaldorcentre.unsw.edu.au/news/five-questions-bomana-immigration-centre">$24 million centre</a> was funded and built by the Australian Home Affairs Department. And although it’s been reported to be run solely by the PNG Immigration and Citizenship Authority, it’s also been asserted that <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/401582/australia-coercing-manus-island-asylum-seekers-to-go-home">it’s Canberra-run</a>.</p> <p>Bomana is the end of the line for certain asylum seekers. Those locked up there had been deemed non-refugees, either via assessment or not. And the centre is designed to be so extreme as to force detainees into giving up hope, despite having spent years prior in immigration limbo.</p> <p>And that’s exactly what happened to the men sent to the isolated facility, with no outside contact. The conditions were so torturous that after years of refusing, most signed up to being sent back to their countries of origins.</p> <p>Although, since doing so, they’re still being housed in Port Moresby not able to be returned as yet.</p> <p>And as of last week, authorities can hail the operation a complete success, as the final 18 men were <a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/criminal/penalties/nsw/conditional-release-order/">released</a>. This was only after some tinkering from rights groups, so these men were offered resettlement in a third country, rather than being forced to return to the land from which they fled.</p> <p><strong>Employing the techniques of war</strong></p> <p>“The Bomana detention centre was built by the Australian government for the express purposes of holding the Manus people, who’ve been given negative refugee assessments in Papua New Guinea,” explained Ian Rintoul.</p> <p>“It’s a deliberately built facility to hold people in an effort to coerce them into signing to go home and deporting them,” the <a href="http://www.refugeeaction.org.au/">Refugee Action Coalition (RAC)</a> spokesperson told Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</p> <p>And in relation to how the immigration facility manages to coerce detainees in such an efficient manner, Mr Rintoul likened the circumstances within Bomana to something you might expect to find in “prisoner of war camps from the Second World War”.</p> <p>The long-time refugee advocate said that detainees were denied communications with the outside world, including legal representation. They were withheld medication and phones. While the water inside was too hot for showering and the thin mattresses provided, lay directly upon the floor.</p> <p>“They were kept on starvation rations,” Rintoul added, “so everyone who has come out of Bomana has lost between 10 and 15 kilograms.”</p> <p><strong>The final cohort</strong></p> <p>The remaining detainees <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/aug/20/remaining-manus-island-refugees-offered-voluntary-relocation-to-port-moresby">were moved</a> from Manus Island to Port Moresby beginning in August last year, with the final 25 arriving <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/404490/manus-island-refugees-moved-into-port-moresby-apartments">in November</a>. And 52 of these men subsequently ended up in Bomana. Indeed, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/leaked-photos-of-papua-new-guinea-prison-reveal-torture-of-18-asylum-seekers-cut-off-from-world">nine of them</a> had already been approved for Medevac transfer to Australia.</p> <p>According to Rintoul, the men weren’t given reasons for their incarceration, but it was known that only those deemed negative were sent to Bomana. And the conditions soon led to most agreeing to be repatriated, as they reasoned possible imprisonment in their country of origin would be better.</p> <p>And last Thursday, 23 January, saw the final 18 asylum seekers released from the Bomana detention centre, after they agreed to third country resettlement, which was not an offer made to detainees that agreed to leave earlier.</p> <p>“We tried to get messages in to tell people to sign and come out. We attempted various measures, but none of them had been forthcoming,” Rintoul outlined. “The final 18 were released on the basis of them signing to be part of the US resettlement deal, under the auspices of the UNHCR.”</p> <p><strong>A fresh gulag</strong></p> <p>Most Australians remain unaware that during the rising calls to end offshore detention, amid the successful campaign to bring the children on Nauru to Australia, and while the enactment and later repeal of Medevac occurred, the government has been intensifying detention for some.</p> <p>The Bomana immigration centre <a href="https://www.kaldorcentre.unsw.edu.au/news/five-questions-bomana-immigration-centre">is part of the</a> 2013 Regional Resettlement Agreement between Australia and PNG, which allows for the ongoing processing of asylum seekers who arrive in this nation’s waters within the borders of another poorer country.</p> <p>The specially built facility began its operation on 2 April last year. And it has the capacity to hold around 50 detainees, within its 25 rooms, with two individuals in each. These rooms are divided up between <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jan/15/leaked-photos-of-papua-new-guinea-prison-reveal-torture-of-18-asylum-seekers-cut-off-from-world">five separate compounds</a> fenced off from one another.</p> <p>“The Australian government has overall control of the centre, as it does every other aspect of the people who they’re responsible for sending to Manus in the first place,” Rintoul made clear, adding that Canberra is “very aware of the circumstances in which people were being held”.</p> <p>The RAC spokesperson further explained that some of the employees at the facility are ex-Australian federal police. And the people who own the company that are running Bomana are also former AFP employees.</p> <p><strong>The gift that keeps on giving</strong></p> <p>As for what Bomana will be used for now that all the Manus Island asylum seekers have been released, Rintoul is clear that it’s likely the Papua New Guinean government will continue to use it in the same manner. But, this time, with asylum seekers who arrive in its own country.</p> <p>PNG prime minister James Marape warned <a href="https://www.pngfacts.com/news/png-pm-marape-tells-illegal-foreigners-to-leave">in mid-January</a> that foreign nationals who entered his country without permission and refuse to leave will be thrown in the Bomana centre, which, for the most part, is unused at present.</p> <p>“There’s a Filipino and three Bangladeshi citizens who are now in the Bomana facility,” Mr Rintoul explained. He said that keeping it open for the purposes of using it in a similar vein is what the PNG government seems to have in mind.</p> <p>“But, I suspect it will only be like that as long as Australia is paying for the upkeep,” he concluded.</p> <p>The images are leaked photos of the ex-Manus Island detainees in the Bomana immigration centre. They were supplied by the Refugee Action Coalition.</p> <p><em>Written by Paul Gregoire. Republished with permission of </em><a href="https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/the-inhumanity-of-australias-new-offshore-detention-centre/"><em>Sydney Criminal Lawyers.</em></a></p>

Travel Tips

Married couple at the centre of bizarre billion-dollar drug bust

<p>A recently married couple from Melbourne alongside an IT worker have been arrested and charged with running a customs importing business which dealt with over $1 billion worth of 1.6 tonnes of ice and heroin.</p> <p>It is the nation’s largest uncovered methamphetamine haul.</p> <p>Rachel Annette Cachia and Donovan Mark Rodrigues, both 37, have been described as “trusted insiders” in the customs industry and advised clients on the logistics of importing and exporting goods through their independently owned business.</p> <p>However, the couple have suffered a violent fall from grace as they may be met with life imprisonment if convicted over the seizure of 1.6 tonnes of ice and heroin found hidden inside speakers being shipped to Melbourne in April 2019.</p> <p>On social media, the couple showed off their lavish lifestyle, including holidays with their two young children and luxury sports cars.</p> <p>Alongside Ms Cachia and Mr Rodrigues is Bayside IT worker Stephen Mizzi, 38, who has also been charged after the Australian Federal Police raided properties in the Melbourne suburbs of Darley, Sunshine West, Brooklyn, Elwood and Murrumbeena.</p> <p>All three individuals are to face numerous charges of importing illicit drugs.</p> <p>Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Neil Gaughan alleged the couple were "middle to high up" in the drug operation.</p> <p>"We feel to a certain extent that they’ve been used," he said.</p> <p>"They [allegedly] used their positions of trust to circumvent the border control. It will be alleged that two of the three suspects charged are trusted industry insiders."</p> <p>Australian Border Forces uncovered the drugs after they asked for sea cargo sipped from Bangkok, Thailand to be inspected at a container examination facility, in April.</p> <p>Officers spotted “anomalies” inside the speakers after an X-ray and took them apart in result.</p> <p>They found numerous packages containing methamphetamine and heroin that had been vacuum-packed and stuffed inside the speakers.</p> <p>Court documents allege that Mr Rodrigues and Ms Cachia had begun dealing with proceeds of crime in December 2016.</p> <p>Then, between June 2017 and July this year, the couple allegedly began arranging the movement of goods without authorisation through ports on numerous occasions between West Melbourne and Brooklyn.</p> <p>By December 2018, it’s alleged that Mr Mizzi joined in on the drug operation with the plan to help ship heroin and ice to Australia.</p> <p>Mr Mizzi has also been additionally charged with dishonestly obtaining identification information from a mobile phone in April this year.</p> <p>The trio faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, where lawyers said it was the first time in custody for both men and that Mr Mizzi had a "blood pressure issue".</p> <p>Liliana Dubroja, the lawyer representing Ms Cachia, requested a nurse assess her client due to kidney and mental health concerns.</p> <p>Commonwealth prosecutor Jamey Ellis said police required extra time to compile their brief of evidence due to the extensive number of phone taps.</p> <p>"There is a significant amount of listening device and telephone material," he said.</p> <p>The trio was remanded in custody to face court again on May 7. They have not applied for bail.</p>

Money & Banking

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Woman at the centre of alleged Beckham affair breaks silence

Princess Mary's touching tribute to late mother

This is our most detailed map of the brain’s memory centre

Kate Middleton’s touching gesture to child

Fence and digging marks at the centre of lion’s escape

Man hides hefty lottery win from wife and child